Sustainable mango insights: update from our recent West African visit

Organic mangoes are a staple in our range of exotic fruits, and supplying them year-round demands meticulous attention and professionalism. At the heart of this endeavor is the mango season in West Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Senegal.

Burkina Faso: pioneers and innovation

In Burkina Faso, we have a longstanding partnership with Fruiteq, a pioneer in exporting organic mangoes directly from the region. What began with a few growers and challenging train transports through Ivory Coast has evolved into a robust operation with over 1,200 small growers and efficient truck transport.

Expansion to Ivory Coast

Recently, Fruiteq expanded into Ivory Coast, establishing a new warehouse and drying plant over the past six months. This initiative unites small farmers and employs hundreds from surrounding villages. Our buyers, Joep and Gert-Jan, visited the new facilities. Joep remarked, "I am always impressed by the tremendous entrepreneurship and energy of Adama Zongo and his team. Especially here, where there is poverty and hopelessness, Fruiteq provides a place and opportunity for farmers and workers to earn a living wage." Fruiteq also offers young people the chance to learn and develop on the job, as exemplified by an electrician in Ivory Coast who honed his skills in Burkina Faso and now leads a team of mechanics.

Senegal: mangoes with a zero-water footprint

In Senegal, our supplier Buursine collaborates with around 40 growers in the Thiers region, cultivating mangoes on small plots of 1 to 1.5 hectares. Remarkably, these mango trees thrive without irrigation, relying solely on the 300 mm of rain that falls between August and October. This natural, water-efficient cultivation results in sweet and juicy mangoes with a zero-water footprint. Despite facing higher-than-normal temperatures due to climate change, this year's crop has reached optimal sugar levels earlier, aligning Senegal's mango season seamlessly with that of Burkina Faso.

Harvest and seasons

The West African mango season is in full swing! We commenced in Burkina Faso with the Amelie variety, are currently offering the popular Kent variety, and will soon conclude with the Keitt variety. The first container of Keitt mangoes is set to arrive at the port of Antwerp in week 24. Meanwhile, in C?te d'Ivoire, the first rains have signaled the end of the season due to quality concerns like anthracnose. However, Burkina Faso remains dry, allowing us to continue harvesting and shipping these delectable mangoes. Following Burkina Faso, the season will transition smoothly to Senegal, ushering in a new phase of delicious mangoes.

More than just trade

Our partnerships with Fruiteq and Buursine go beyond mere trade; they are about enhancing lives and fostering a sustainable future for all involved. Through this personal approach and unwavering commitment to sustainability and quality, we remain dedicated to providing the best mangoes for you and your customers. Let’s build a future where both consumers and growers are at the center.